Effect of pressure therapy for treatment of hypertrophic scar

BACKGROUND: Pressure therapy (PST) has been reported for the treatment of hypertrophic scar (HS) effectively. However, no study has assessed its effect and safety systematically. Therefore, this study will investigate its effect and safety for patients with HS. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search will be performed from the electronic databases and grey literatures. The electronic databases include MEDILINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All of them will be searched from inception to the present without language restrictions. Any randomized controlled trials on assessing the effect and safety of PST on HS will be considered for inclusion. In addition, we will also search grey literature to avoid missing any potential studies. RevMan V.5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will provide the most recent evidence of PST on HS by evaluating primary outcomes of scar pruritus and improvement of scar; and secondary outcomes of scar blood flow, elasticity, volume, pain and burning. In addition, we will also evaluate adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will provide up-to-date evidence of PST in patients with HS. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019136627.